New Student Orientation

New Student Orientation is a required program of all new students. Programs will cover academic expectations, campus resources and getting involved. Students will also have the opportunity to meet many staff and other students. Orientation also includes Meredith traditions, such as the Honor Code ceremony. Finally, students will have opportunities to get a campus ID and buy a parking permit. Families are also invited for the indicated activities.

Schedule of Events

New Student Orientation: Monday, Jan. 8 - Tuesday, Jan. 9

For your planning purposes, orientation activities will take place the following dates and times.

Monday, January 8: New residents may move in to the residence halls from 7:30-9:30 a.m. Check in for New Student Orientation will begin at 12:30 p.m.

Tuesday, January 10: Orientation activities will take place from 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Friday, January 12: Academic Check-in, 10-10:50 a.m. (required for all new students)​

Parents & Families: Monday, January 8, 12:30-1:30 p.m.
Families with students living on campus are welcome to assist their students with moving into the residence halls from 7:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. Afterwards, families are invited to the New Student Orientation Welcome Session with campus leaders from 1-1:30 p.m.

Classes Begin: Wednesday, January 10

Note: A detailed schedule will be distributed upon checking in for the program. Sessions in BOLD are REQUIRED for all students.

Getting To and Around Campus

Orientation Parking

Residents
Students planning to live on campus will receive an email from Residence Life with instructions for parking and moving into the residence halls. If you have questions about campus housing, please contact reslife@meredith.edu.

Orientation Check In

Monday, January 8, 12:30 p.m. – 12:55 p.m., Cate Student Center, 1st floor lobby
All students will check in for New Student Orientation on Monday, January 8 from 12:30 -12:55 p.m. in the Cate Student Center. During check in, all students will receive a New Student Orientation Guide, which will include a schedule for Orientation and other important information for the start of the semester.

Accommodations

Meredith College is pleased to provide support during New Student Orientation for students or family members with disabilities or other special needs. Please contact Disability Services at (919) 760-8427 or disabilityservices@meredith.edu to inquire about available services and to make the appropriate arrangements. Please note Meredith College will be closed for winter break Wednesday, December 20, 2017 - Tuesday, January 2, 2018.

Student Leaders

All new students have access to upper-class students, who serve as guides throughout New Student Orientation and students' first year at Meredith.

Student Advisers (SA): Student Advisers are a group of highly trained upper-class students who work with freshmen during orientation and through the first year to help them make a successful transition to campus life. SAs also serve as liaisons to faculty advisers as well as peer advisers to new students.

Adult & Transfer Advisers (ATA): Adult and Transfer Advisers are upper-class students chosen each year to assist new adult and transfer students during orientation and through the first year. ATAs provide support for the unique needs of transfer and adult students, particularly in regard to balancing the demands of college, work, and family roles.

Orientation Traditions

Welcome Brunch: Several faculty, staff and student leaders will host new students to a special brunch on Tuesday, January 9.

Honor Code Ceremony: Following brunch, students will participate in the Honor Code Ceremony. During this long-held tradition, new students recite the honor pledge and sign pledge cards to "faithfully uphold the principles of the Honor Code." According to the Student Handbook, a student's enrollment is not considered complete until the Honor Pledge has been signed.

Tour of Massey House: President Jo Allen will host tours of the Massey House on Monday January 8. Transportation will be provided. Don't forget to wear your Orientation nametag so President Allen may greet you by name.

Inclement Weather

In the event of inclement weather, updates about changes to the New Student Orientation schedule will be posted on this website. You may also call the Inclement Weather Line at (919) 832-8878 for updates.